Colour contrast isn’t something many people think about simply because, for many of us, the defining line where one colour ends and another begins is of little importance, but when it comes to home accessibility, a simple thing like colour choice can make all the difference.

How does colour contrast impact the safety of the environment, and how can we use colours when making home adaptations to make a more inclusive living environment?

Understanding Colour Contrast in Home Design

It isn’t just colour that makes something stand out and easier to distinguish; it’s colour contrast, the difference between one colour and those it is touching.

Consider a white handrail on a white wall – with little contrast it’s difficult to make out where the rail is and there’s a chance of stumbling as we reach out to grab it, but with a contrasting colour the rail becomes easy to see and effortless to use. Simply by painting it a dark colour, it stands out clearly.

For people with even a minor vision impairment, careful use of contrasting colours can make all the difference; for some, it’s essential.

Enhancing Safety with Colour Contrast in the Home

There are many hazards in the home that pose a risk that can be reduced through some efficient use of colour contrast.

Highlighting Edges

Stair edges, countertops, low door frames, and any changes in floor level can be made clear through some distinct use of colour. Bold and bright colours will bring out those edges and make it far easier to see where the hazard lies.

Identifying Safety Features

There’s a reason an emergency button is red – not only are we trained to recognise red as a colour used for emergencies or as a signal for ‘stop’, but it’s also a colour rarely found for general building décor. In short, it’s an excellent way to identify the feature.

Painting safety features in the home clear and bright colours will help identify them in a split second, making them far more efficient in a safety situation.

Coloured grab rails, handrails, emergency buttons, and light switches are used to make them easy to find, even in low lighting.

Warning of Hazards

It’s not a case of setting out reflective red triangles wherever you go, but by thinking of hazard points and obstacles and giving them a touch of colour, the home becomes a safer and more comfortable environment.

Consider highlighting sharp corners, low-hanging objects, and anything else that might be a painful collision.

Improving Navigation and Usability in the Home

Colour contrast can do more than simply provide a spot highlight for objects and edges, with careful thought, contrasting colours can be used to improve the general usability of the home:

• Creating clear paths – Selecting colours to indicate specific areas can make moving through the home easier, especially for key areas such as bathrooms. Defining pathways in this way guides movement through the home, making direction easier as well as giving prominence to doorways.
• Intuitive environments – Colour contrast is often seen as a very unsubtle device, but subtle shifts in colour can make the home more intuitive and easy to navigate, especially for people with cognitive impairments.
• Zoning – Contrasting colours can help differentiate between zones in a single room, such as separating kitchen countertops and areas used for food preparation from those used for washing up or dining, giving focus to specific bathroom areas, or helping navigate bedrooms when tired.

The Practical Applications of Colour Contrast in Key Areas of the Home

For some specific ideas, why not consider the following:

Kitchen

• Use contrasting colours for countertops and cabinets to enhance visibility.
• Highlight appliance controls with bright contrasting colours.
• Give edges definition.
• Use colour zoning to separate different areas of usage.

Bathroom

• Use contrasting non-slip mats in showers and baths.
• Clearly mark shower controls with easily seen colours.
• Highlight toilet seats, shower seats, and grab rails with high-contrast colours for easier visibility.
• Put toiletries in containers with different bold colours for quick and easy identification, such as blue for soap, green for shampoo, and white for conditioner.

Living Rooms and Bedrooms

• Make sure furniture clearly contrasts with wall colours and floors. Use brightly coloured contrasting knobs for easy visibility.
• Install light switches and electrical outlets with contrasting colours.
• Use colour to highlight and define items such as remote controls, phone chargers, and other smaller electronic items.

Staircases and Hallways

• Ensure handrails are contrasting to the wall and surrounding areas.
• Use contrasting colours on the edge of steps and landings to define their location. Consider a different colour for the final step/landing.
• Make sure lighting is sufficient in all areas of the stairs and hall.
• Apply contrasting colours to help define pathways.

Considerations for Colour Blindness in Home Design

Remember that many people have colour blindness, and even mild disorders can make some colour contrasts inefficient. A good resource is here at colourblindawareness.org where you can explore the different types of colour blindness and see clear examples of how it presents.

Be clear on any colour blindness issues to ensure that you opt for the right choices for colour highlighting and that colours really contrast for everyone who needs to benefit. Getting the right colour palette is key!

Professional Colour Contrast Help with John Ford Group

At John Ford Group, we’ve been making home adaptations and using colour contrast as an essential tool for years. Why not contact us to see how our experience can help you adapt your home to meet all the needs of its users? We can advise on colour palettes as well as discuss other aspects, such as texture and lighting, to make sure your home is as comfortable and safe as possible.

Fill in our contact form here or give us a call on 01245 267333 today.